AYUTTHAYA

Thailand’s former capital Ayutthaya is renowned for its temple ruins and historical sites. Most visitors head first to Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the centre of the city, for a comprehensive overview of the city’s history and past glory. Surrounded by these ruins, it’s not difficult to imagine the grandeur that once was the kingdom of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park comprises four temples – Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana – the Royal Palace and Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit. Outside the park itself, historical sites are randomly peppered along the west, south and eastern parts of the outer island. Many of the archaeological finds from the ruin sites around Ayutthaya are exhibited at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, so this is a good place to visit if you are interested to learn more about Ayutthaya’s heritage.